Mystery solved over key Rangers man

When Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha announced his confirmed defensive unit earlier this summer, he revealed that David Bates was to be one of his preferred options.

The Portuguese announced that Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso, Danny Wilson, David Bates and Ross McCrorie were to be Rangers’ five senior defenders from which he would make his per-match selections.

After a prominent role under the ex-Nacional boss last season, Bates was conspicuous by his absence post-Niederkorn, prompting many to wonder where he was and why he had been seemingly dropped.

It turns out the 20 year stopper has been injured for the best part of a month and a half, and remains laid off for the foreseeable future.

In a recent tweet, he confirmed his prognosis:

Bates was a surprise signing but has not let his side down when called upon. He has been a useful squad member to have to step in when numbers were down, and Ibrox Noise speaks on behalf of all Rangers fans wishing him a speedy recovery.